Efficacy of sonic and ultrasonic activation on irrigant penetration in different tapered preparations: An in vitro study

Abstract

Background: The traditional syringe needle irrigation method would compromise on cleaning the intricacies of the complex root canal system. Current literature has focused on the benefits of various irrigant activation techniques. The present study aims to evaluate the irrigant penetration in extracted single-rooted teeth using various irrigant activation systems in different tapered preparations. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty-four single-rooted teeth were selected for the present study. They were standardized at the level of cementoenamel junction and shaped to 30 size using 4% and 6% taper rotary instruments under a standard irrigation regimen. Once the complete root canal preparations were done based on activation protocols, they were divided into four groups as Group 1: Four percent preparation sonic activation (n = 31), Group 2: Six percent preparation sonic activation (n = 31), Group 3: Four percent preparation ultrasonic activation (n = 31), and Group 4: Six percent preparation ultrasonic activation (n = 31). A radiopaque solution in conjunction with radiography was utilized to evaluate the penetration of irrigants into the canal. Radiographs were taken after dye injection to measure the length of irrigant penetration in each technique. Results were statistically analyzed using SPSS software. One-way ANOVA and Post hoc Tukey tests were performed. Results: The results of the study revealed that ultrasonic activation after 6% taper instrumentation was better followed by ultrasonic activation after 4% taper instrumentation (P < 0.05). The results revealed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) between the irrigation techniques. Conclusion: Ultrasonic irrigant activation proved to be a better and an effective technique for cleaning the root canal.